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The former US president’s newest warning to enforce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President executes his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China facing an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening export controls on rare earths and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.